Janet Smith, the chef and owner of Madam Chef, says her new restaurant on N. Allen is about more than food, it's about community.
"I want the food to taste good, but I also want it to be a place to come," says Smith. "It's not just a restaurant, it's a community."
Smith says her food has been bringing people together for years. When she was the head of the kitchen at the Arbor Hill Community Center, she cooked for families, daycare participants, and senior citizens--"I cooked for everyone over there," she says. As a cook, she always liked to bring people into the kitchen to talk, help, and learn something.
Today, the sharing happens in Smith's dining room where locals gather for lunch, dinner, and a good talk. The spot has become a favorite lunch spot for many local employees. Smith's menu, which features southern specialties like fried chicken, bbq, collard greens, and sweet potato pie, is delicious and affordable (Dinners start at $7.25 and include sides, and sandwiches start at $5.25). Smith also offers catering and delivery.
June 24, at 7pm, Madam Chef will host a special concert by Freddy Ingleton, crooner from the Delfonics and Stylistics. Tickets to the event are $22 and will include a light buffet.
Madam Chef is located at 188 N. Allen Street, Albany, NY 12206, right next to Pepper Jack's.
(518) 621-7091.
